2 Tibetans self-immolate in restive west China

A U.S. broadcaster says two young Tibetans died after setting themselves ablaze in far west China, the latest in a string of suicide protests over Beijing's handling of its Tibetan regions.

Radio Free Asia said by email that a 23-year-old woman and a male teenager whose exact age was not known set themselves on fire separately Thursday in Tongren country in Qinghai province. The statement said both died.

There have been dozens of self-immolations since 2009 in China's Tibetan regions and at least 10 in the last week.

Tibet support groups overseas say the increase in protests in recent days is meant to highlight Tibetan unhappiness with Chinese rule as the country's leaders hand over power to younger successors at a party congress in Beijing.